The use of tears for diagnosis of GM1 gangliosidosis.

The properties of beta-galactosidase of tears were investigated and the standard assay system was accomplished. The pH optimum was 4.2. The enzyme had a KM of 8.3 X 10(-4) M. The activity was stimulated by chloride ions and slightly stabilized by bovine serum albumin. The activities of normal individuals were 205 +/- 80 (S.D.) nmol/h/ml. The activity in the tears of the patient with GM1 gangliosidosis decreased to about 20% of normal control and this disease could be diagnosed by the assay of beta-galactosidase in tears.